Mourinho misses out on his desired signing

Martín Zubimendi, midfielder of Arsenal, is linked to Atlético de Madrid as a potential replacement for Julián Álvarez, according to information from RNE. The move would complicate the situation for José Mourinho, who has also been following the Spanish international, while Real Madrid has been associated with him in recent weeks due to their need to improve playmaking.

Atlético de Madrid gains ground for Martín Zubimendi

The information released by Silvia Barba, journalist from RNE, positions Atlético de Madrid favorably to attempt the signing in the winter. The rojiblanco interest has also been reported by Relevo and AS, which point to the midfielder's decreasing prominence at Arsenal as a factor that could facilitate his departure.

The numbers explain why the player's future is under observation. According to Relevo, Zubimendi has 380 minutes in 12 matches this season, with only one start. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães to the London team has increased competition in midfield and reduced his opportunities to start.

For Atlético, his addition would provide a midfielder capable of organizing possession and adding balance to the team. The club had already monitored Zubimendi when he played for Real Sociedad, so his current situation opens a new opportunity to rekindle interest.

🤔¿Zubimendi, al @Atleti ? 👉El jugador del @Arsenal está cerca del club rojiblanco, según ha podido saber @rne ⚽️El futbolista ya sonó para salir del club inglés en verano y podría ser el sustituto de Julián Álvarez en el equipo del Cholo 🎙️Informa Silvia Barba 👇

— RNE Deportes (@RNEdeportes) November 9, 2026

Real Madrid and Mourinho need to resolve playmaking

Real Madrid has also appeared in reports regarding Zubimendi's future. Over the last few months, his name has been linked to the search for a midfielder capable of improving ball circulation and organizing play, a necessity that has generated debate following changes in the white midfield.

José Mourinho leads the Madrid team and has had to manage these doubts in building the game. The operation does not solely depend on the player's willingness. Arsenal paid around 60 million euros to acquire him from Real Sociedad in 2025, and his contract with the English club runs until 2030. There is no confirmed sale figure nor an announced agreement for January.

The scenario may change in the coming weeks as the opening of the winter market approaches. Atlético de Madrid will need to see if Arsenal is willing to negotiate and under what conditions, while Real Madrid will have to decide whether to turn their prior interest into a concrete operation. For now, Zubimendi remains an Arsenal player, and any destination remains pending progress between the clubs.